Baltimore City Wire

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore has announced a series of new acquisitions, expanding its permanent collection with works from various time periods and regions. The additions include items from the 17th to the early 20th century, originating from places such as Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, India, and locally from Baltimore. Notable pieces among these are two etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn, a Severn Ware vase made in Baltimore, and several artifacts enriching the museum's Asian art collection.

Gina Borromeo, Interim Co-Director of the museum, emphasized the educational role of art in broadening perspectives: “Art is an essential vehicle for developing one’s worldview and, knowing this, the museum’s curators, educators, and docents utilize our far-reaching collection as a powerful tool for education, storytelling, and connection every day.” She further highlighted that these intentional acquisitions aim to enhance cultural understanding within communities.

Among the newly acquired European works on paper are two Rembrandt etchings. "Old Man with a Beard" depicts an elderly man sleeping in traditional attire while "Self Portrait of Rembrandt with Saskia" features Rembrandt alongside his wife. These pieces join other significant works by Rembrandt already housed at the Walters.

The acquisition also includes "Fatme," a drawing by Jean-Léon Gérôme portraying an Egyptian woman. This piece raises questions about historical power dynamics during its creation. Additionally acquired are two Spanish colonial books printed by "widow printers," reflecting women's roles in historical printing presses.

In its Asian art collection expansion, the museum now holds "Dish with Design of Rock, Bamboo, and Pine," a rare Ko-Kutani ceramic piece from Japan's Edo period. Another Japanese work is Okajima Tesshū's screen "Hydrangea and Turkeys" from the Showa era. From South India come two betel nut cutters used in traditional practices.

Locally sourced is a Severn Ware Vase produced by D.F. Haynes & Co., showcasing Maryland's historic craftsmanship influenced by Japanese design motifs popular during America's Aesthetic Movement era.

The Walters Art Museum continues to offer free admission to visitors through support from various donors and local government entities. It remains committed to making global art accessible to all visitors as part of its mission to connect people through artistic expression.